U.S. Department of State to Showcase Innovative U.S. Water Technologies

Notice to the Press

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

March 20, 2014

The U.S. Department of State will highlight advanced American water sector technologies on Friday, March 21 at “USTech H2.O,” an event held in recognition of World Water Day.

Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environmental Affairs Catherine Novelli will deliver keynote remarks on the importance of reliable water supplies for economic development, health, and peace and security. Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Dr. John Holdren will offer his insights on the power of science and technology to address global water challenges. Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones will deliver opening remarks for the event.

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Global Water Coordinator Christian Holmes will announce the semi-finalists in the “Securing Water for Food Grand Challenge for Development.” The U.S. Water Partnership, which is supporting the event, will be represented by former Ambassador Hattie Babbitt. Charles Fishman, author of “The Big Thirst” and “The Wal-Mart Effect,” will moderate lively 5-minute presentations of pioneering water technologies by their inventors

Innovators in the U.S. water sector will host technology demonstrations in the Exhibit Hall during and immediately after the launch event. The on-stage portion will run from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the State Department’s Dean Acheson Auditorium, and technology providers will exhibit their solutions in the building’s Exhibit Hall from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The event is open to the press from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Press may begin arriving at 12:15 p.m. at the 23rd Street entrance of the U.S. Department of State. Final access time for press: 12:45 p.m. from the 23rd Street entrance.

Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) A U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification card (driver's license, passport).

Media representatives who wish to attend the event or the technology exhibit should RSVP to Kira Vuille-Kowing at 202-647-1511 or OES-PA-DG@state.gov

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